Haryana Women Commission Vice Chief Sonia Aggarwal and Driver Arrested in ₹1 Lakh Bribery Scandal
CHANDIGHAR : In a stunning turn of events, Sonia Aggarwal, the Vice Chairperson of the Haryana Women Commission, along with her driver Kulbir, was arrested on Saturday by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with a Rs.1 lakh bribery case. The arrest has sparked widespread attention and concern over corruption within the state’s government bodies.
The Bribery Case: A Detailed Breakdown
The case came to light following a complaint lodged by a teacher, whose wife, a sub-inspector in the Haryana Police, had filed a case against him. The complainant revealed that after the couple’s marriage, a family dispute arose, which led the wife to file an application with the Haryana Women Commission on November 25. The complainant alleged that after submitting his case, he was contacted multiple times by Sonia Aggarwal and her driver Kulbir, who pressured him to pay a bribe for resolving the matter.
According to the ACB, the teacher was told by Aggarwal’s driver that a bribe of Rs.1 lakh was required to settle the issue. Initially, this request came on December 12 when Aggarwal allegedly directed the complainant to pay the amount to her driver Kulbir. Two days later, on December 14, the teacher was asked to hand over the bribe at a designated location in Hisar.
The ACB’s Strategic Operation
Acting on the teacher’s complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau set up an operation to catch the accused red-handed. The team divided into two separate units: one to monitor the situation in Kharkhoda, where Sonia Aggarwal was stationed, and another team in Hisar to trap her driver Kulbir.
The operation proved successful on December 14 when Kulbir was caught accepting the ₹1 lakh bribe near Jindal Park in Hisar. Shortly after, Sonia Aggarwal was apprehended by ACB officers from Kharkhoda. The arrests were made under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and both Aggarwal and Kulbir are now facing serious legal charges.
The ACB’s Investigation and Next Steps
Following the arrests, the ACB spokesperson confirmed that the investigation into the bribery case is ongoing. Both Aggarwal and Kulbir have been remanded to judicial custody, and the bureau is continuing to collect evidence. The ACB also revealed that the bribery demand was made by Aggarwal’s driver, who allegedly acted as an intermediary between the complainant and the Women Commission official.
While the exact motives behind the bribe demand remain unclear, sources suggest that it could be related to a desire to expedite or influence the outcome of the legal dispute between the complainant and his wife. The teacher’s family had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the case by the Haryana Women Commission, which likely led to the request for the bribe.
Political and Public Reaction
The arrest of a senior official from the Haryana Women Commission has caused shockwaves across the political and social landscape. Critics have questioned the integrity of public institutions and raised concerns about the prevalence of corruption within government bodies. Women’s rights activists, however, have expressed hope that the incident may serve as a catalyst for stronger oversight and transparency in state commissions.
“This is a clear indication that no one is above the law, regardless of their position,” said a spokesperson from a prominent anti-corruption NGO. “We hope this will encourage more individuals to come forward with complaints of corruption and ensure accountability at all levels.”
Legal Implications and Future Developments
The arrest of Sonia Aggarwal and Kulbir marks a significant development in Haryana’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its ranks. With the ACB taking a proactive stance, it is expected that similar cases of bribery within government institutions will be under heightened scrutiny.
Legal experts predict that the case could have far-reaching implications. If convicted, Sonia Aggarwal could face serious penalties under the Prevention of Corruption Act, which includes imprisonment and hefty fines. The case will also serve as a test of the ACB’s ability to handle high-profile corruption cases, especially involving public figures.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Transparency
The arrest of Haryana Women Commission’s vice chief Sonia Aggarwal and her driver Kulbir highlights a growing concern about corruption in state-run organizations. As investigations continue, the case will likely serve as a reminder of the need for stricter controls and greater transparency within the public sector.
For now, all eyes are on the Anti-Corruption Bureau as they continue their probe, and the people of Haryana remain hopeful that this case will lead to stronger anti-corruption measures across the state.